After leaving the greenhouse, Luke excused himself to prepare, leaving Theo behind as he entered the house. As soon as he was gone, Phael approached, his expression full of curiosity.
"Captain, what’s going on?"
"I’ve been found out. That I’m the mercenary who’s been killing high-tier monsters."
"What?" Phael’s jaw practically hit the floor.
"But when you think about it, it’s not exactly a serious crime."
"True, but things have gotten a bit... complicated."
Luke didn’t bother mentioning Theo’s veiled threats. He had left the military, but Phael still worked there and would likely cross paths with Theo again. There was no point in planting a bad impression of Theo in his mind.
"So, one thing led to another, and I agreed to help with the investigation."
"...Are you sure about that? Captain, I know how much you dread anything related to the military."
But Theo, uncharacteristically, had been persistent—so much so that he had resorted to threats, something Luke hadn’t expected from someone who always prided himself on integrity and righteous methods. It made Luke wonder if Theo really needed his help that badly.
"I want to know you better."
The meaning of those words remained elusive. What more could Theo possibly want to know? Name, age, skills—he already knew enough.
What was clear, though, was that Luke wouldn’t be able to shake Theo off anymore. Well, the investigation could be wrapped up quickly enough if he put his mind to it. Once it was done, he could return to his old routine.
"Yeah, I have no idea what I’m doing," Luke muttered with a sigh before leaving Phael in charge of the house and greenhouse.
As they traveled, Theo assured Luke that he would smooth things over regarding the mercenary issue. On the way to the Kyleum branch, Luke couldn’t help but wonder if this was the right decision. However, dealing with Theo—who he at least knew—seemed far preferable to repeatedly undergoing inquiries at the branch while enduring the stares of strangers.
Besides, the monster they’d encountered in the forest weighed on Luke’s mind. It wasn’t something he recalled from the original story.
When they arrived at the branch, Theo went inside first to report their plans for the investigation.
"Coming in with me?" he asked.
Luke shook his head and waved him off. Theo, unsurprised, simply nodded and entered the building.
Inside, he was greeted first by Calon. Theo instructed him not to devote excessive resources to the mercenary investigation. Now that Theo knew the mercenary was Luke, there was no need for the investigation to continue at full force. However, halting it abruptly would arouse suspicion among the soldiers.
Instead, Theo issued a measured directive, pointing out that the mercenary hadn’t been active recently and had, in fact, been helpful to the military. He added that if the mercenary’s identity remained unknown within a month, he would use his authority as Commander to resolve the unresolved cases himself.
The atmosphere in the Kyleum branch, including among Calon and the soldiers, seemed to relax at Theo’s decision. They had been pursuing the Faceless Mercenary out of obligation more than genuine interest, and Theo’s orders were welcomed.
"Also, I’ll be investigating the monster reported yesterday," Theo continued.
"Indeed... it does seem there’s something unusual about it," Calon agreed, recalling Phael’s report from the day before.
"I’ll assign some of our soldiers to accompany you," Calon offered.
But Theo glanced out the window, where Luke, wearing a light brown robe, was leaning against the wall. He seemed bored, kicking a stray rock idly across the ground.
"No, you focus on the mercenary case and your other tasks. I’ve heard reports of increased high-tier monster sightings in the western region recently. Prioritize preparations for that."
"But, Commander, moving alone without support—"
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"Calon, do you not trust me?" Theo interjected.
"Of course not, sir. My apologies," Calon replied, bowing his head.
Theo smiled, assuring Calon it was just a joke and thanking him for his concern. Beside him, Benjamin, one of the senior officers, observed Theo’s talent for making remarks that didn’t quite sound like jokes.
After confirming a few final details with Calon, Theo left the branch, calling back over his shoulder, "Don’t worry, Calon. I have a reliable companion with me."
"A... companion?" Calon muttered to himself, scratching his head as if he’d misheard.
Theo’s steps were unusually light as he left. He was eager, not only because Luke’s skill would make the task more efficient but also because he wanted to learn more about Luke himself. The man who had once been infamous for his foul temper now seemed different. Even when Luke scowled and grumbled, Theo couldn’t bring himself to dislike him.
"Why are you taking so long?" Luke grumbled as Theo approached.
"Good thing your neck didn’t snap waiting for me."
Luke shot him a withering look, the kind that could only mean, Really?
If they hadn’t reunited here, Theo might have left behind only faint nostalgia for Luke and forgotten about him entirely. But meeting him again in this place, as if by fate, had turned that nostalgia into joy, which in turn nurtured a growing curiosity.
Theo had always been driven by a strong sense of inquiry, even during his academy days. A capable soldier, he believed, needed not only mastery of magic and swordsmanship but also a keen intellect. On nights when he stumbled upon something unknown or puzzling, the light in Theo’s dorm room was the last to go out.
Now, however, that drive wasn’t aimed at solving written riddles or theoretical problems—it was focused on one person.
"What’s that in your hand?" Luke asked, tilting his head as he noticed Theo’s clenched fist. Instead of replying, Theo opened his hand.
"Oh."
Nestled in Theo’s palm was a small, fluffy creature—a monster Luke had caught in the forest. Its round eyes darted around nervously until they landed on Luke, who was peering down at it. Startled, the creature leaped from Theo’s hand and clung to his shoulder, trembling.
"Seems like it’s afraid of you," Theo observed.
Luke narrowed his eyes at the creature, glaring at it as if he could kill it with his gaze alone. He couldn’t help but feel like he’d somehow lost to something so insignificant.
"Is it really okay to just carry it around like that?" Luke asked.
"I checked with the unit yesterday. Its remaining mana is nearly depleted. It must have used most of it running away from you."
"Still, what if it tries to escape? It has wings, you know."
"Well, thanks to the holes you put in them, they don’t seem to be working properly."
Luke blinked, beginning to understand why the creature had been so desperate to avoid him. But something about Theo’s comment struck him as odd.
"The wounds I inflicted are still there?" he asked.
Theo nodded.
"Monsters usually heal faster than humans, don’t they?"
"Not this one. It’s a low-tier monster, and without any mana left, it can’t regenerate."
Judging by its appearance and behavior, it was clear this wasn’t a combat-oriented monster. Luke had initially suspected it might be hiding some unknown power, but Theo’s explanation dispelled those doubts completely.
"So, what’s the plan now, Commander?" Luke asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he used Theo’s title.
Theo flinched at the formality, causing the monster perched on his shoulder to turn its wide eyes toward him. Its gaze briefly caught the faint blush that crept onto Theo’s ears.
"I asked Calon about the monster smugglers operating in the western region. There are three locations the branch is currently monitoring."
Three wasn’t an overwhelming number. Back when smuggling operations were rampant, it wasn’t unusual for multiple busts to happen in a single day.
"I plan to visit each of them," Theo continued.
If the creature had indeed been brought in to be sold as a pet for nobles, clues would likely be found at one of these locations. However, if that wasn’t the case, the situation could escalate unpredictably. If someone had released a reconnaissance monster in the heart of the empire, the implications would be enormous.
"But Luke," Theo added.
"Hm?"
"Are you sure it’s okay to leave your house? And the greenhouse?"
"Don’t you think it’s a bit late for you to ask that, considering you’re the reason this is happening in the first place?" Luke shot back, his tone sharp. He couldn’t believe Theo had the audacity to bring it up so casually.
"I left it in Phael’s care."
"And he agreed just like that?"
"Of course. It’s not like he can refuse me." Luke let out an awkward laugh before quickly changing the subject. "Let’s stop chatting and get moving. Where to first?"
"The closest location," Theo replied.
"And that is?"
Theo pointed in a direction. Luke followed the gesture with his head, the creature’s eyes naturally shifting as well.
"...Konennium Plaza?" Luke asked, puzzled. Theo nodded, his expression calm.
Even if it was the closest spot, Konennium Plaza was unexpectedly public. The idea of smugglers operating openly in such a bustling place was surprising.
"Luke, these smugglers usually operate in two ways," Theo explained as they began walking toward the plaza.
"One, they completely hide their identities and conduct transactions exclusively with black-market traders. The other... What do you think?"
Luke shot Theo a look, as if annoyed that he was being quizzed. Still, he answered.
"They blend in with ordinary people, disguising themselves and dealing with both civilians and merchants."
"Exactly."
Theo nodded, pleased with Luke’s answer. At the same time, their steps came to a halt.
They had reached the outskirts of Konennium Plaza, a quieter area with fewer people. Among the scattered establishments, a tavern tucked into the corner drew Luke’s attention. He stared at it, his expression unreadable.